The safest form of cheque crossing is the Account Payee (A/c Payee) crossing. By drawing two parallel, diagonal lines with "A/c Payee" written between them, the funds are strictly restricted to be credited only into the account of the named payee, significantly reducing fraud risks and unauthorized encashment.
Account Payee Crossing
In this case, the collecting bank has to credit the amount of the cheque in the payee's bank account only. It is also considered the safest form of crossing and is widely used in the market.
Safe Bets When Sending a Check via Mail
Account Payee Cheques
It is considered the safest type of cheque and is also known as a crossed cheque.
Types of Crossings on a Cheque
General Crossing – This is the cross cheque where just two parallel lines are drawn. The cheque can be deposited into any bank account. Special Crossing – Here, the name of a specific bank is written inside the lines. This means the cheque can only be deposited in that bank.
Crossed Cheques: These cheques have two parallel lines drawn across the face of the cheque. This crossing signifies that the cheque should be paid through a bank and not directly over the counter.
You can deposit a crossed cheque into a bank account, ensuring secure transactions. A bearer cheque allows anyone holding it to cash it, making it less secure but easier to access.
Cashier's checks are safer to use.
Although there are check scams involving fake cashier's checks and money orders, a cashier's check has more security features than a typical money order. Also, a cashier's check is backed by a bank and may carry more clout with the payee than being backed by a check cashing store.
The safest way to mail a check involves using Certified Mail with Return Receipt for proof of delivery, writing the check with a black gel pen, filling all fields completely to prevent alteration, using a security envelope, and dropping it directly inside a post office, avoiding public mailboxes, especially for high-value payments. For ultimate security, consider electronic payments like Zelle or online bill pay if available, as they bypass mail theft risks entirely.
Write cheques in serial number order and make sure all cheques remain in the book, with none removed from the middle or back. Write or print starting from the very left and use reasonably large text, leaving no spaces. Draw a line through unused areas and don't leave large spaces between words.
Concealing checks using security-lined envelopes or additional paper can protect them from being identified and stolen. Certified mail or tracking services can enhance security by providing proof of delivery and requiring a signature upon receipt.
By using crossed cheques, cheque writers can effectively protect the instrument from being stolen or cashed by unauthorized persons. A crossed cheque – the oblique or vertical lines in the centre form the crossing. Like most modern cheques in the UK, the cheque is pre-crossed as printed by the Bank.
When a scammer has your bank account and routing numbers, they could set up bill payments for services you're not using or transfer money out of your bank account. It's tough to protect these details because your account number and routing number are printed right at the bottom of your checks.
Crossed Check Compared to Uncrossing
The payee can't uncross it after a check has been crossed. Crossed checks are also considered non-transferable. They can't be signed over to a third party. The only action permitted is for the payee to deposit the check in an account that the payee holds in their name.
Crossed checks, marked with parallel lines, must be deposited, not cashed, enhancing security and preventing fraud. These checks are uncommon in the U.S., but prevalent in parts of Europe and Asia, as well as Mexico and Australia.
A certified check comes with an extra layer of verification than a personal check, but is guaranteed by the payer. A cashier's check is issued and guaranteed by a bank or credit union, which makes it more secure than a certified check.
How To Avoid a Fake Check Scam
A cashier's check is guaranteed by the bank, and the check amount is withdrawn from the bank's funds. By contrast, a certified check is guaranteed by the customer and withdrawn from that person's account. Cashier's checks are more secure and provide more privacy, since they only include the bank's details on them.
One option is to use a secure financial platform, such as PayPal. That's because it's possible to send or receive money via an active email address or a unique payment link, eliminating the need to share banking details.
Banks may request identification for substantial amounts, but generally, bearer cheques are less secure. Security: Crossed cheques offer higher security by restricting payment to the payee's account, reducing the risk of unauthorized access. Bearer cheques are more susceptible to misuse if misplaced.
Compared to putting a check in the mail, wire transfers are much safer. The bank asks you to provide information about the payment receiver, their business or personal information, and the source of your funds for fraud-prevention purposes.